How to Clear Blocked Sinuses with This Essential Oil Recipe

When the tissue lining the sinuses gets inflamed or swelled, it created the condition known as sinusitis. Normal sinuses should be filled with air, but if they get filled with fluid or become blocked, germs can grow and develop an infection.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there are around 30 million Americans affected by this condition each year.

The following conditions can cause sinus blockage:

The common cold

Nasal polyps

Allergic rhinitis

A shift in the nasal cavity called a deviated septum

Types of Sinusitis

There are 4 types of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis – it starts with cold-like symptoms like facial pain and runny, stuffy nose. It could begin suddenly and last from two to four weeks.

Chronic inflammation – the symptoms usually last at least 12 weeks

Subacute sinus inflammation – it can last from four to twelve weeks

Recurrent sinusitis – occurs few times per year

Function of Sinuses

They produce mucus and secretions that passes through the nose every day. This mucus washes and cleans the membranes, picking up bacteria, dust particles, and air pollutants as it goes.

Also, they affect your voice in terms of quality and tone. Still, the primary function of sinuses is the secretion of mucus that cleans and moisturizes your nose from the inside.

Essential Oils for Sinusitis Relief

Certain essential oils can help prevent and treat sinus infection or attack. They will help open up your sinuses naturally, clearing the mucus and getting rid of possible infections. Here are the best essential oils to treat your sinusitis, as well as a recipe to get your relief.

1. Eucalyptus Oil

The anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of eucalyptus essential oil make it a potent natural decongestant.

The fresh, stimulating, camphoraceous, and pungent scent of this Australian oil lasts for quite a long time. You can use it to prevent and reduce symptoms of sinusitis, cold and flu, and bronchitis.

It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which help alleviate painful and swollen nasal passageways. Therefore, it great for treating respiratory problems.

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has a warm, pungent, camphoraceous, and radiant scent.

Remember that this oil has the highest hydrogen content of all essential oils, so it’s a quite powerful warming and stimulating oil. Being an immune stimulant, it can help treat sinusitis, bronchitis, strep, symptoms of cold and flu, and other respiratory conditions.

Rosemary oil shows powerful decongestant, mucolytic, and expectorant effects which make it stand out from all other oils when it comes to treating excess mucous problems.

Note – Pregnant women, those with a diagnosed seizure disorder and high blood pressure should avoid using this oil as it has highly stimulating effects.

4. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil acts as a decongestant thanks to the menthol in its content. It helps relieve any type of congestion, including sinusitis.

Also, it helps treat other respiratory problems like nasal congestion, asthma, symptoms of cold and flu, and bronchitis. This is why it’s part of many natural chest rubs.

Note – Use this oil in very weak dilutions as it can constrict your blood capillaries. One or two drops added to your bath are enough for a beneficial outcome. Also, do not use it if you suffer from GERD.

Essential Oil Recipe for Sinus Relief

Ingredients

10 drops of Rosemary oil

70 drops of Eucalyptus oil

10 drops of Tea tree

10 drops of Peppermint

Instructions

Add all ingredients in a 5ml euro dropper bottle and shake well.

It’s best to use this oil combo or just one oil as a respiratory steam. Fill a ceramic bowl with steaming hot water and add few drops of this blend or a single oil. Then, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to inhale the vapors.

Note – Do the inhalation with eyes closed to prevent the aromatic vapors from getting into your eyes.

Another Option to Use These Essential Oils

You can also dilute 15 drops of your oil in an ounce of one of the following carrier oils:

Sesame oil

Oregano oil

Consulting with your doctor before trying out this or any other sinus remedy is always the safest option.